Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5047 is pleased to announce that members voted 96 per cent in favour of ratifying a collective agreement in meetings that took place February 10 and 11, 2018. CUPE 5047 represents school board support staff at the Halifax Regional School Board.

“It’s our understanding that the school board will hold their ratification meeting at the end of the month, however, we don’t anticipate any delays in finalizing the agreement,” says CUPE National Representative Karen MacKenzie.

The agreement addresses issues of importance to CUPE members including changes to the job postings process, lay off protection, seniority with school closures, and protection for library workers/volunteers.

“The members understood what our bargaining committee faced at the bargaining table in the shadow of Bill 148, says MacKenzie. “However, our members remain committed to delivering quality public services and we will continue to work to protect collective bargaining rights.”

“I would like to thank our bargaining committee and the staff for their hard work over many weeks, especially during the final few days of negotiations,” says CUPE 5047 President Chris Melanson. “I would also like to thank our members for their support throughout this process.”

“Our local has concluded this round of bargaining for our members, but our concerns around Bill 148 and the proposed restructuring of our provincial school board system remain. The Liberal government has created a stressful environment in our schools, for both students and staff,” says Melanson.

CUPE 5047 represents approximately 1,000 employees of the Halifax Regional School Board, who work as early childhood educators, community outreach workers, educational program assistants, library support specialists, and Aboriginal or African Nova Scotian student support workers.